A heart-wrenching story of a tiny elephant, Khao Tom, has captured the attention of many, but it also raises important questions about the growing challenges faced by wild elephants. The abandonment of this two-month-old calf is not an isolated incident, and it's time we delve deeper into the reasons behind such heartbreaking scenarios.
Khao Tom's journey began in September when rangers rescued her from a farming area within Lam Khlong Ngu National Park. Born with a congenital disorder affecting her knees, she struggled to keep up with the herd, and within days, her mother made a difficult decision - to leave her behind.
Natthanon Panpetch, a senior veterinarian and director of the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Rescue Centre, shares, "We didn't think she would make it." Khao Tom's body was covered in abrasions from her mother's attempts to drag her through the forest, and a digestive infection left her weak. It was a miracle she survived, thanks to the dedicated care of the rescue team and a diet of rice porridge, a staple in Thai cuisine.
As the team shared updates, the Thai public rallied in support, sending toys, formula, and donations. Khao Tom's story is a testament to the power of community and the will to survive.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a growing problem? The media has reported on similar incidents, with at least five other elephant calves in Thailand facing abandonment or getting lost in 2025 alone. A database compiled by The Guardian shows a significant rise in reported cases across South and Southeast Asia, from an average of two a year between 2015 and 2022 to a staggering 14 in 2025. However, this dataset is not exhaustive, leaving us with more questions than answers.
Joshua Plotnik, a psychology professor with nearly two decades of experience studying elephant behavior in Thailand, sheds some light on this issue. His research has shown that elephants possess self-awareness, as demonstrated by their ability to recognize themselves in mirrors. According to Plotnik, abandonment is rare, even when a calf is sick or injured, as female elephants invest heavily in their young.
However, he explains, "Elephant mothers and families can sometimes reject a calf, especially if the mother is under stress or when the safety of the herd is at risk." Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict are emerging as significant stressors for wild elephants. These majestic creatures, known for their mobility, rely on vast forest areas for foraging and water, but these forests are shrinking and becoming fragmented.
A recent study published in Nature suggests that 64% of Asian elephant habitat has been lost since 1700. This loss of habitat pushes elephants closer to farms, villages, and roads, disrupting their movement patterns and social groups. Plotnik adds, "This adaptability can paradoxically lead to increased conflict with humans."
Media reports of stray calves often cite falls, encounters with humans, or human-dominated environments as reasons for separation. In 2024, a calf in Indonesia became separated from its family after farmers drove the herd away from their crops. Another calf in Malaysia wandered into a village and was caught in a buffalo trap.
In India's Assam state, an eight-week-old elephant fell into a ditch while crossing a tea estate, highlighting the dangers these creatures face in their daily lives.
While some regions, like Assam, have seen a slight decrease in displaced calf admissions over the past five years, attributed to fewer severe floods, others, like India's Assam region, face a "growing challenge" with elephant and rhino calves continuing to be separated from their herds due to floods, shrinking habitats, and human-wildlife conflict.
Plotnik emphasizes that determining whether these incidents are truly becoming more common is challenging. The increase in publicized cases likely stems from improved reporting and coverage, but he believes growing human pressures likely contribute to the separation of herds and calves.
Natthanon believes Khao Tom's chances of returning to the wild are slim. "The longer she stays with humans, the harder it will be for the herd to accept her," he says. Cases like Khao Tom's serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities wild elephants face as their habitats continue to change.
As we reflect on these stories, we must ask ourselves: What can we do to ensure the survival and well-being of these magnificent creatures? The answers may not be simple, but the conversation is a necessary step towards finding solutions. What are your thoughts on this growing issue? Feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comments below!
